Coronary artery spasm induced by carotid sinus massage

• Published in: Heart (British Cardiac Society) Vol. 84; no. 1; pp. e2 - E2
• Main Authors: Nishizaki, M, Yamawake, N, Arita, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Cardiovascular Society 01.07.2000; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: Angina pectoris; Cardiovascular disease; Carotid Sinus; carotid sinus massage; coronary artery spasm; coronary vasospasm; Coronary Vasospasm - etiology; Coronary vessels; Electronic Pages: Case Reports; Fainting; Heart attacks; Heart rate; Humans; Male; Massage - adverse effects; Middle Aged; Nose; Pain; vasospastic angina
• ISSN: 1355-6037; 1468-201X
• DOI: 10.1136/heart.84.1.e2

A 60 year old man with a history of frequent episodes of chest pain and dizziness was referred for evaluation of coronary artery disease. He had no significant coronary artery stenosis at baseline coronary angiography. A carotid sinus massage was performed for evaluation of carotid sinus hypersensitivity in the patient. Both heart rate and blood pressure decreased a little, and returned to baseline level immediately after carotid sinus massage. However, 2.5 minutes after carotid sinus massage, ECG showed ST segment elevation in leads II, III, and aVF. Four minutes after carotid sinus massage, he had chest pain with a progressive elevation in the ST segment in the same leads, when he had 99% focal spasm in the right coronary artery. The vasospasm induced by carotid sinus massage was reproducible over several minutes and resolved spontaneously. Coronary artery spasm may be provoked by the enhanced vagal activation due to carotid sinus massage.